New autism specific resources for early years and schools
01/04/09
New web and DVD resources on the autism spectrum are now available. Produced by The Department of Schools, Children and Families (DCSF), one is designed for those working with children under five years of age and the other is for those working in mainstream primary and secondary schools.
The resources are designed for people with little or no prior knowledge of the autism spectrum and can be used by a person studying on their own or in group training. The resources will also be useful to parents and carers of children and young people on the autism spectrum.
The material is brought to life through a series of video clips of children, parents and teaching staff talking about their personal experiences of autism. Key resources are the self-evaluation tools and checklists to help assess what the practitioner already knows about autism, to ascertain how well the school addresses the needs of those on the autism spectrum and to create profiles of children to identify areas of need.
The resources have been produced under the Inclusion Development Programme (IDP), commissioned by The National Strategies (part of the DCSF). The content was developed by the team at the Autism Centre for Education and Research at the University of Birmingham.
Dr Glenys Jones, from the team that developed the resources and also a member of the Autism Education Trust Steering Group said,
“All those who work with children and young people on the autism spectrum need to have knowledge of the autism spectrum in order to understand and address their needs appropriately. Without this knowledge, children’s behaviour can be misinterpreted and a child on the autism spectrum may be labelled as lazy, naughty, defiant or challenging. The fact that these two resources can be accessed by anyone from anywhere via the internet, means that all those who have contact with children and young people can work through the resources and enhance their knowledge and skills.”
Early Years Foundation Stage IDP materials:
The section is designed to support practitioners including childminders, and those who work within playgroups, nurseries and children's centres, as well as Early Years Advisory Teachers (EYATs) and trainers providing initial early years and childcare qualifications.
There are five modules exploring autism provision, informed by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles. These include subjects such as ‘A unique Child’, ‘Enabling Environments’ and ‘Positive Relationships’.
To access this course and learn more go to their
website.
Primary and Secondary IDP Materials:
This section has been designed for all mainstream primary and secondary school staff including teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers, SENCos, leadership teams, Governors and all students training to be teachers as well as initial teacher training (ITT) providers.
There are eight units, covering key areas including ‘Flexibility of thought and behaviour’, ‘Social and emotional understanding and ‘Know the pupil’, as well as a section outlining further sources of support.
To access this course and learn more visit their
website.
About the Inclusion Development Programme (IDP)
The National Strategies launched the IDP in 2007 to deliver a programme of continuing professional development designed to strengthen the confidence and expertise of staff in mainstream schools and early years settings, to ensure the progress and achievement of pupils with special educational needs. In 2008, the IDP focused on dyslexia and speech, language and communication needs. This year (2009) the focus is on supporting pupils on the autism spectrum.
For more information about the IDP visit the
the Inclusion Development website.